51°F 
1228 Manchester Street
Lexington, KY 40504
Colonel James E. Pepper (1850-1906) was a larger-than-life Bourbon industrialist and flamboyant promoter of his family brand. He was the third generation in the Pepper family to produce Old Pepper whiskey, founded in 1780 during the American Revolution. His namesake distillery in Lexington was at one point the largest whiskey distillery in the United States, operating from 1880 until 1967, when it was abandoned along with the brand for over 50 years. After a decade of historical research and a multi-year reconstruction effort, the brand was relaunched and the historic distillery was renovated and rebuilt.
According to legend, the Old Fashioned cocktail was created in honor of Colonel James E. Pepper and subsequently introduced to the world by his frequent stays at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Manhattan.
Ingredients
1 1/2 ounces Old Pepper Rye or Bourbon
1 cube or teaspoon Sugar
2 teaspoons Water
1 dash Angostura® Bitters
1 piece Lemon Twist or Peel
Instructions/Notes
Combine ingredients in rocks glass with one cube of ice, and stir until chilled. Garnish with lemon.
Recipe from the Old Waldorf Astoria Bar Book, published in 1935.
All distilleries offer a tasting at the end of their standard tour. Some offer tasting-only experiences as well. But remember, slow down, savor your experiences and drink responsibly.
Under Kentucky law, visitors can purchase up to 9 liters per customer, per day at distillery gift shops. Options to ship product back to your home may be available. Please consult with each distillery and know that your state laws might prohibit shipping.
While each distillery tour is unique, plan on spending at least an hour and a half at each to tour, taste, and visit the gift shop. Many distilleries offer extended and abbreviated tours in addition to a standard one hour tour. If you’re interested in times for a specific distillery tour, visit that distillery’s website for availability.
While there are no admission fees to visit your favorite distilleries, all distilleries charge a fee for their tours. Some distilleries have abbreviated or extended specialty tours that vary in cost. Please visit each distillery’s website to explore pricing. Be sure to plan ahead. Some distillery tours book up months in advance.
